Red Bull tabs Hamlin as crew chief for Vickers, 83

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Veteran race-winning crew chief Kevin Hamlin will be with Red Bull Racing Team's lead driver, Brian Vickers, next week when session two of Sprint Cup Preseason Thunder begins at Daytona International Speedway.

Hamlin

Hamlin, who had a nine-year crew chief tenure with Richard Childress Racing and began the 2007 season as crew chief for Dave Blaney's No. 22 Toyota at Bill Davis Racing, has nine Cup victories, including five at RCR with the late Dale Earnhardt.

Doug Richert began Red Bull's first season in 2007 working on the No. 83 Camry with Vickers before being replaced by Randy Cox this past fall.

"Finding the right crew chief for the 83 team was a pivotal decision in an effort to restructure the foundation on that team," Red Bull competition direction Elton Sawyer said. "We need a crew chief with not only the right experience and background to work effectively with our driver and crew, but someone who also shares the same vision for success. We found that package with Kevin Hamlin.

"Our focus between now and Daytona is not only getting our cars up to speed for the season opener, but also getting Kevin up to speed working with Red Bull, Brian and the 83 team."